SASHA ROSARIO'S POINT OF VIEW
"Hmmm…"
Sleep had me deep in its grip, but the world felt like it was shaking beneath me. My body was lead-heavy, every muscle drained—if I had my way, I'd never leave this mat.
I felt worn down to the bone, like I'd been dragged through mud and left for dead…
"Haughh?!" I bit my lip hard as my eyes snapped open.
My vision was blurry, but I could feel movement above me—something warm and solid pressing into me, and a familiar pressure building deep inside.
"W-Why—"
"Good morning." Angelo's voice rumbled through me, and as my sight cleared, my body trembled as release washed over me in hot waves.
I clutched the woven mat beneath me, my eyes fluttering shut. Every nerve ending felt both numb and alive as I registered how full I'd been—how perfectly he'd fit.
"A-Angelo—uhh!" The words died on my tongue as he pulled back slowly, his hand moving in steady strokes until I felt his warmth spill over my skin.
I went limp, gasping for air as I looked up at him. Only then did I notice I was completely bare, not a scrap of cloth on me. He was naked too, and the sight of his hard, sculpted torso made my mouth go dry—breakfast of champions, indeed.
I turned my head slowly, my eyes nearly bulging out of my skull when I saw sunlight streaming through the door. Morning. It was morning. I looked back at him, my jaw practically hitting the floor.
"D-Did we… was I out cold all night?" My voice came out breathless, almost hysterical.
He didn't answer, just stood and pulled on the same clothes he'd worn yesterday—the ones Andeng and Junior had lent him.
"Hmm, maybe." He shrugged as he dressed, and I just grimaced in response.
I stared into space, still reeling from what my body had just endured at his hands.
Lord! Was this man even human? All night—he'd been at me all night while I was out cold from exhaustion and sleep!
I felt lightheaded just thinking about it, shaking my head in pure disbelief.
"M-Monster…" I whispered, his face burned into my mind. I tried to process it all, but fatigue pulled me under again, and the world went dark.
—
"Oh really? Looks like your wife slept like the dead—and then some."
I knew that voice!
"Yeah, I'll let her rest today. The weather's turning anyway—she shouldn't be out working."
That voice belonged to the monster himself!
"Right, it's drizzling already. They won't be able to dry the catch, so she'll just have to work from home… hey, I'll go get the fish she needs to clean."
Silence fell again, and the furrow between my brows eased. My body was still asleep, but my mind and senses were wide awake.
I could smell food—something warm and savory that made my stomach growl. Thunder rumbled in the distance, but I had no energy to move. Even lifting my eyelids felt like lifting a stone.
Warm cloth touched my forehead, then a blanket was pulled over my shivering body.
"Tsk. Your body's so weak." I heard him mutter—and he was the reason I felt like this!
I couldn't help myself; if I'd had the strength to open my eyes, I'd have kicked him.
"You're a beast in bed…" I mumbled, finally forcing my lids open.
I coughed, wincing at the bright light pouring through the doorway. I was cold now, unlike earlier when heat had been rolling off my skin.
Angelo was beside me, lying on his side and gazing down at me. I frowned—he was wearing different clothes now.
"W-Where'd you get those?"
"Hm? Your friend lent them to me." He answered quickly, then started dabbing a cloth across my skin, wiping away the sweat and residue from earlier.
I watched as he gently cleaned my arm, his touch surprisingly soft.
"What are you doing?"
He didn't look up, focusing on his work as he spoke.
"Taking care of you. You're running a fever—your immune system's not strong enough for… all that."
I tried to speak more, but every word left me drained. I fell silent, letting him do as he pleased.
Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as he tended to me—so many that I felt like I'd swallowed a whole swarm. They tickled at my insides, and I had no idea why his simple care was affecting me this way.
First he'd cleaned me; now he was feeding me warm rice porridge he'd made himself.
I opened my mouth when he brought the spoon to my lips. He sat cross-legged beside me, his attention fully on me as he fed me bite after bite. I ate quietly, stealing glances at him whenever his eyes were elsewhere.
He was so handsome—if you looked closely, you'd swear he was born into money. Even with the faint scars on his skin, his complexion was smooth. The long, thin scar cutting through his left eyebrow didn't take away from his looks at all; I barely noticed it. His lashes were dark and thick, his brows sharp, his nose straight—and his lips… I'd already learned how soft and kissable they were.
"Don't stare too hard," he said, his voice low as he blew on another spoonful. "Might melt me right here."
Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I turned my face away.
"Look at me." His tone was gentle but firm. I obeyed, opening my mouth automatically as he brought the spoon forward.
We fell into a rhythm—him feeding both of us, me eating in silence while my heart raced in my chest.
When we were done, he cleaned up everything without asking where things went or how to do it. Every move he made was sure, like he'd lived here all his life.
I smiled to myself as I watched his broad back move around the small space. It felt… good. Having someone here with me.
I giggled softly, pure joy bubbling up inside me.
Lord, I thought—is this man really meant for me? But the thought barely had time to settle before something cold and sticky dropped right on my forehead.
"Ahh!" I shrieked, recoiling in disgust. I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my back and hips, making me double over with a gasp.
"Tongono!" I hissed through gritted teeth, tears stinging my eyes from the ache.
I heard his footsteps racing back to me. "What—"
"What what?!" I whipped around to glare at him, still hunched over in pain. "You're asking what happened? How dare you act confused, Angelo—ow! Huhu…"
Tears streamed down my face as he helped me lie back down, propping my head and shoulders up with a pillow so I was more comfortable.
I glared daggers at him as I settled in. "This is your fault! You're a monster in bed!" I accused him—and I wasn't even exaggerating. It was true!
Huhu, you devil, Angelo—Angelo, of all names, and you're the one who might kill me!
I had a hundred more things to say, but I bit my tongue—if I opened my mouth, I might just kick him where it hurt out of sheer frustration.
I let out a long sigh and turned away from him. He was sitting cross-legged beside me again, not making any move to leave.
Maybe… maybe now was the time to talk.
"You… you know I told you—" I bit my lip, gathering my courage. "I told you I'm not your wife, right?" I pouted. "But the way you… you act like we're actually together!"
My ribs and hips ached like they'd been bent in half.
"Also—don't you ever wonder about us? About how you got here? Don't you want to ask me what you're doing in this place, or who you really are?" I turned to face him fully. "Aren't you going to ask me? Angelo?"
Our eyes met, and I wanted to joke to lighten the mood—but I knew this was serious. We needed to be honest with each other.
"I… I'm not asking because I already know some things."
I stared at him in shock, but kept quiet and waited for him to go on.
"I can't remember who I really am, but I do remember how I ended up here." He let out a soft laugh. "I fainted, didn't I? You were about to hit me with a wok."
His laugh was so warm, so easy on the ears—it actually calmed the knot in my stomach. I had no idea why he had this effect on me.
"So… what's your plan? I'm poor—I don't know how I'd even take care of you." I sighed heavily. "A typhoon's coming too, and this house is barely standing."
I held his gray gaze, my heart tight with fear and something else I couldn't name. "Are you sure you want to stay? Or should I ask Junior to take you to town—to the police station? They might be able to find your real family."
Sadness washed over me as I spoke. This was the right thing to do, wasn't it? I'd been wrong to pretend we were married, especially since he clearly remembered how he'd arrived here.
The fool even played along with me.
"I…" A gentle smile touched his lips, and my breath caught. "I actually don't mind, Sasha. I like it here—with you. Don't worry, I'll find work to help with expenses. So…" He reached out and took my hand in his, his fingers wrapping around mine firmly.
"I want to know you better. Will you let me stay?"
My body went rigid, every nerve ending singing.
H-Holy hell?!
I hadn't seen this coming—thank heavens! Was any of this real?!
I opened my mouth to answer, but someone else spoke first. I grimaced as a familiar voice shrieked nearby.
"Kyahhh! Yes! She says yes—oh my God!" Andeng barreled toward us, laughing as she clapped her hands. She slapped a hand over my mouth before I could speak, nodding frantically at Angelo.
"Yes! She says yes, Angelo! My friend will take amazing care of you—wait just a second!" She leaned in close, whispering in my ear. "Quit playing hard to get, you brat."
My head throbbed from all the chaos, but joy bubbled up inside me anyway.
I laughed, then looked over at Angelo and nodded—letting Andeng's words stand for mine.
God, is this what You want for me? If it is… thank You for this wonderful man I get to share my life with, starting now.